Could you start by introducing yourself and your role at Emerson?
Aarti: I am Aarti Dange, and I lead customer experience for Emerson Automation Solutions. I work closely with our teams here to ensure that our customers are not only supported but also empowered to maximise their outcomes from Emerson’s innovative technologies. I am part of the marketing team, and my focus is on creating a seamless, impactful experience for our clients in diverse sectors.
Emerson has been a leader in technology for years. Could you give us an overview of what you are currently showcasing, particularly regarding your “Boundless Automation” vision?
Aarti: Certainly. At Emerson, we are dedicated to providing cutting-edge technology that helps customers achieve operational excellence and progress toward their sustainability goals. “Boundless Automation” is our vision for the future of automation. It is about enabling seamless, unlimited connectivity across systems and domains to maximise efficiency and decision-making.
To break it down, we are focusing on overcoming three major challenges: accessing and integrating data across IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) environments, breaking down operational silos, and enhancing data accessibility with advanced connectivity options. Boundless Automation leverages cloud technology, allowing applications to run securely with real-time access, and integrates edge controls for flexibility across various operational levels within a plant or facility.
This vision builds on our history of innovation, from pioneering microprocessors in field devices to the latest in digital transformation technologies, ensuring clients have a future-proof approach to automation.
Sustainability is a priority for Emerson, and many countries in the region are setting ambitious goals in this area. How is Emerson helping customers meet these targets?
Aarti: Sustainability is a core focus at Emerson, and we approach it holistically through our “Greening Of,” “Greening By,” and “Greening With” framework.
Greening Of is our internal commitment to sustainability. We aim to achieve zero emissions by 2045 and have various initiatives across our 200 global sites to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and meet rigorous sustainability standards.
Greening By refers to the suite of technologies we offer to customers, designed to minimise their environmental footprint. For instance, our non-intrusive measurement devices, such as wireless transmitters, reduce infrastructure demands while providing valuable environmental data. Our valves include zero-leakage options, ensuring minimal emissions across critical processes from upstream to downstream applications. Software solutions like our Predictive Emissions Monitoring and Energy Management platforms allow clients to pinpoint inefficiencies, optimise energy usage, and reduce emissions at the enterprise level.
Greening With recognises that partnerships are essential for sustainable success. We collaborate with other companies, such as Arc Energy, to provide a complete ecosystem of solutions. By combining our technology with our partners’ infrastructure and expertise, we deliver holistic sustainability solutions that are tailored to each client’s unique needs.
Emerson is a major provider of equipment, but can you talk about how you go beyond equipment to deliver a full-service experience for clients?
Aarti: That is an excellent point. We consider it our responsibility not just to supply technology but also to ensure clients know how to maximise its value. Emerson offers extensive training programs across our product lines, whether it’s for measurement devices, valves, or software. These certified training programs enable customers to stay up-to-date with our technologies, but our support goes further than product training.
We focus on building competencies within our clients’ teams, ensuring that roles like reliability engineers have a complete skill set for their jobs. Emerson’s **Competency Development Programs** are designed to go beyond the basics, developing a deep understanding of the technology’s application in the field.
Our “Project Certainty” initiative addresses common project challenges such as budget overruns and delays by offering solutions to reduce complexity, cut costs, and improve timelines. For example, with technologies like Cloud Engineering, Born Digital strategies, and robust supply chain support through our Main Automation Contractor (MAC) model, we help clients realise their digital transformation ambitions from day one.
Emerson’s “Boundless Automation” vision is inspiring. Could you explain how this concept fits into the integration of renewable energy?
Aarti: Absolutely. While we support the traditional energy industry, Emerson is equally invested in the transition to renewable energy. Our solutions are tailored to fit the evolving needs of both conventional and renewable sectors. For instance, our Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) solutions cover every stage of the carbon capture process, from injection and transportation to storage and reinjection, with a complete portfolio of hardware and software technologies.
For new energy sources like wind, we provide reliable systems such as the Ovation Green control system, which parallels our DeltaV system in delivering robust control for renewable operations.
Emerson’s technology also integrates seamlessly with hybrid systems, enabling clients to manage renewable and traditional energy sources as part of a cohesive operation. Our “Boundless Automation” vision supports this integration by offering adaptable, intelligent control solutions that allow for a unified, efficient energy management strategy across both conventional and renewable sources.
Data is a critical asset in today’s industrial landscape. How does Emerson help customers leverage the valuable data they capture to create real value?
Aarti: That is a great question. Collecting data is only the beginning. Our aim is to convert data into actionable insights, a key component of our Boundless Automation strategy. This involves democratising data, making it accessible from multiple field or process points, and ensuring that it flows seamlessly from our intelligent field devices to the edge and up to the cloud for more advanced analytics.
Our proposal to acquire the remaining stake in AspenTech is an exciting opportunity to bring two exceptional companies fully together.
Our digital twin technology, for example, enables customers to create virtual replicas of their plants, allowing for both static and dynamic simulations. This way, they can test scenarios and optimise performance without interrupting operations. By integrating AI and machine learning capabilities, Emerson enables predictive maintenance and helps customers forecast and prevent potential failures before they impact productivity.
Our high-bandwidth solutions, such as APL Ethernet and 5G enablement, ensure that customers have fast, reliable data transmission from the plant floor to the control room, minimising the risk of data loss and allowing for real-time monitoring. All of these tools empower our customers to extract the maximum value from their data, driving efficiency and enhancing their operational insights.
This has been a fascinating conversation, Aarti. Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to add?
Aarti: Just to say that we are truly committed to helping our customers in the Middle East and Africa harness the full potential of Emerson’s technology. Whether it’s pushing the boundaries of automation or supporting the transition to renewable energy, we are here to provide the tools, training, and support they need to succeed. Thank you for the opportunity to share Emerson’s story, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact of our Boundless Automation vision in this region.
